‘Overdose touches lives and families in ways we may not immediately see’: Kildare councillor addresses International Overdose Awareness Day 2023

A Newbridge-based Social Democrats county councillor has today marked International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2023.

Cllr Chris Pender said that the day marked 'a crucial global event for spotlighting drug overdose and its devastating effects.'

The theme for IOAD 2023 is 'Recognising those people who go unseen,' which serves as a call to action to acknowledge and support individuals impacted by this crisis, often bearing their burdens in silence. 

Commenting on IOAD 2023, Cllr Pender said: "As a community, we need to realise that overdose touches lives and families in ways we may not immediately see.

"Whether it's grieving families, dedicated healthcare workers, or spontaneous first responders—these are the people we should be recognising.

"To all of them, I want to say: #weseeyou."

He also pointed to a key life-saving measure against overdose: Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdose effects within minutes.

Cllr Pender elaborated: "This medication is often underestimated, but it's a powerful tool that should be accessible in our community.

"I strongly advocate for more people to carry Naloxone and be trained in its use."

He continued: "This IOAD, let's promote overdose response education and push for lasting, life-saving policy changes.

"The South Western Drugs Task Force's Treatment and rehabilitation subgroup, which I chair, has been doing commendable work pushing for the distribution of Naloxone kits and working to identify training, but we need to amplify these efforts.

"It's time to break the silence surrounding overdose... let's use this day to identify and recognise those affected by overdose in our community who often go unnoticed.

"Their strength and experience should serve as an example to us all."

Cllr Pender further said: "Let's join hands in raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose, sharing resources like Naloxone, and advocating for impactful policy changes."

"It's time to act; let's make sure that nobody has to bear the weight of this crisis alone," he concluded.